Gov. Brownback says that his upcoming tour of college campuses in Kansas is part of his effort to persuade legislators, policymakers and state residents of the importance of stable, level funding for colleges and universities.

Brownback says legislators need to take a longer view of funding for higher education, including rising tuition costs, administrative expenses and state support.

Brownback plans to visit the campuses between April 22 and May 6, two days before legislators return to Topeka to finish the 2013 session.

Legislators are proposing cuts to higher education, ranging from 2 percent to 4 percent. Brownback opposes such cuts and wants to retain current funding in the next budget.

He'll visit Wichita State University on Monday.

Science Standards Raise Cost Concern

Kansas officials involved in drafting new science standards for public schools are trying to reassure the State Board of Education that retraining teachers and buying new classroom materials won't be unusually expensive.